Builds Dawson's GX470 Build

[dawsonc61]

This build is probably going to be slow going but thought I'd (re) introduce myself. I'm not new to the ih8mud forums, I documented my M-416 build a few years ago on this site.

M-416:
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h195/dawsonc61/jim parker 2010/IMG_7785.jpg
Jeep:
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h195/dawsonc61/IMG_4678.jpg

Since then I've sold my jeep along with the 416 and bought a 2006 GX470 (non-kdss). So far the mods have been minor: Ipod integrated into the audio system, Yakima bike racks, and FJ Cruiser wheels...

Before:

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h195/dawsonc61/IMG_0480.jpg

After:

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h195/dawsonc61/IMG_0481.jpg


The plan is to lift it 3" by replacing the airbags with coil springs, run 285's, and lock the rear with an ARB. I don't have any plans for rock crawling with this platform but I definitely want to do more expedition wheeling (I've a trip planned to Moab in late June).
I did a lot of things the "wrong way" when building up my jeep; as in a lot of temporary lifts and fixes only to spend more money upgrading those parts later to get it "just right". That being said, I'm going to do it right the first time with the GX.

For the purposes of this vehicle I'm also going to outfit the back with a custom built storage system similar this:
http://www.speichers.com/pictures/rover/rr_storage_back.jpg

I'd like to get some tan colored upholstery to cover it with to match the interior.

Anyway, It's good to be back and I'm excited about getting this project started.

 

[LTD FJ]

Very nice. Looking forward to watching the progress. How did you integrade the Ipod hookup with the stereo. I have an 04 and am trying to figure out what to do. The 6 disc changer doesnt fly for me.

 

[gotmud]

Nice start. One of my favorite platforms!

 

[dawsonc61]

Very nice. Looking forward to watching the progress. How did you integrate the Ipod hookup with the stereo. I have an 04 and am trying to figure out what to do. The 6 disc changer doesn't fly for me.

It's made by VIAS (I had it installed at a local car audio shop). Here's the link

It's pretty cool and plays other music apps like pandora and spotify too. It runs the music through a "MD" screen that comes up when you press the CD button twice. It was expensive but well worth it. I was using the old tape deck with the aux cord but the sound quality was horrible. Same thing with FM Modulators. Since this is actually integrated into the system the sound quality is perfect.

FYI, if you get this installed, the audio shop is probably going to disconnect your battery so you'll have to re- "teach" your windows and mirrors to function again.
http://www.vaistech.com/dev/sl2vi.php

 

[LTD FJ]

It's made by VIAS (I had it installed at a local car audio shop). Here's the link

It's pretty cool and plays other music apps like pandora and spotify too. It runs the music through a "MD" screen that comes up when you press the CD button twice. It was expensive but well worth it. I was using the old tape deck with the aux cord but the sound quality was horrible. Same thing with FM Modulators. Since this is actually integrated into the system the sound quality is perfect.

FYI, if you get this installed, the audio shop is probably going to disconnect your battery so you'll have to re- "teach" your windows and mirrors to function again.

Thanks for the info. I, and I am sure others, will be looking into this.

 

[BonnerBB]

Looking forward to it.

Subscribed...

 

[dawsonc61]

Cargo Box / Fridge Slide

I started this project about 3 weeks ago and it's finally finished!

I began with a google sketch-up model to see exactly what my dimensions would be. The base ended up being 41"x32" and it fit perfectly in the back. For the fridge I went way overboard and got a set of locking 500# 28" cargo slides.

I designed it to hold either two small rubbermaid containers or one large one.

In the back of the GX with two rubbermaid containers and the ARB

I really didn't want to keep it as raw plywood so I took it over to a local upholstery shop and had them cover it with tan fabric that nearly matches the carpet. I also bought ARB fridge tie downs.

To mount it I removed the four factory tie downs and then bought some 6mmx~3" hex head bolts. The 6mm bolts fit perfectly in the factory holes so I measured and drilled accordingly, installed some tee-nuts and bolted it down.

I liked utilizing the factory tie downs because I can remove the module in about 2 minutes and put the 3rd row seats back in for those occasions where i need extra seating.

Here are a bunch of different shots of the finished module:

 

[GXO]

Do you have measurements and materials lists I could use? This is exactly what I would like to do.

 

[GXO]

Oh, check out my tricky hi-lift mount in my build thread...used the latch system on the back of the second row and it works great.

 

[BonnerBB]

After looking at your build a second time - I would suggest going ahead and enclosing the ARB too so you can lay gear across the top of it and still be able to slide it out without that gear falling in the hole. Great build!

 

[dawsonc61]

I designed it that way so I could put my dog crate in the place of the fridge. Dan, do you know how to use google sketch up? I can send you the file and you can take the measurements from there, or augment it to your specs. Shoot me an email at Dawsonc61 at gmail.com

 

[BonnerBB]

I gotcha...

 

[ObsessMuch]

Do you have measurements and materials lists I could use? This is exactly what I would like to do.

I may build the same thing...i think i would enclose the fridge though. I tend to get stuff too close to my vents on mine. I may also build mine as a metal frame to keep weight and space for the structure lower...plus i find welding to be much more fun than plywood

 

[larsdennert]

In case you need it down the line.
Lars' Web Gallery :: ARB :: 2012_06_24_14_02_05_398